Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field of surgery that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system. Neurosurgeons are highly skilled and trained medical experts who handle a cases involving the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, and extracranial cerebrovascular system.
Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Neurosurgery encompasses a wide range of conditions, diseases, treatments, and procedures related to the nervous system. Some of the conditions and diseases that neurosurgeons are trained to diagnose and treat include traumatic brain injuries, hydrocephalus, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. Neurosurgeons use a variety of surgical procedures to treat these conditions, such as craniotomy, laminectomy, microdiscectomy, decompression surgery, lumbar fusion surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, and deep brain stimulation. They also employ other methods such as endovascular interventions and stereotactic radiosurgery to treat neurological disorders.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
Becoming a neurosurgeon requires extensive education and training. A physician must complete seven year of post-medical school training, starting with surgery then neurosurgery.
Related Medical Specialties
Neurosurgeons often work in conjunction with other medical professionals in order to provide comprehensive care to their patients. Neurologists, emergency medicine physicians, pain management doctors, physical therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists are some of the medical specialists with whom neurosurgeons collaborate. Neurologists help diagnose and treat neurological disorders, while pain management doctors specialize in managing chronic pain caused by neurological conditions. Physical therapists help patients regain strength and mobility after a neurological injury or surgery. Psychologists and psychiatrists provide counseling and therapy for patients who suffer from mental health issues related to neurological conditions.